At 46 years old, Nathan Wilkins is preparing to do something he once thought might never happen; walk across the graduation stage this June to receive his Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Nathan is from the Mohawk Nation of the Bay of Quinte, and his culture has been a guiding force throughout his journey.
He shared a grounding belief that carried him through both personal and academic challenges. “Culture is important, as it has helped me connect to the Creator and Mother Earth,” he said.
Nathan’s path to graduation was far from traditional. As a teenager, his life changed suddenly when he suffered serious back and neck injuries after jumping from a second-storey home during a house fire. The injuries prevented him from continuing in secondary school and abruptly ended his promising football career with the Edmonton Eskimos. From that moment on, school was put on hold indefinitely.
For years, Nathan tried to work small jobs here and there, choosing work that would not further impact his physical health. Despite his efforts, he lived with constant pain and began to believe he would never be able to graduate or find meaningful, long-term work. Eventually, he relocated to Sudbury, where a turning point came through the Rehabilitation Program at Health Sciences North. With access to pool therapy and the gym, Nathan slowly began to regain his strength. As his physical health improved, something else shifted as well — his belief in himself.
“I knew going back to school was the only way I could find a better job,” he explained.
That renewed belief led Nathan to register at St. Albert Adult Learning Centre (ALC) this fall, despite real fear and self-doubt, particularly around math. “I doubted myself,” Nathan admitted. “But my strategy was to do a little bit every day.”
Just as things were beginning to fall into place, life presented Nathan with another profound challenge. His girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer, ushering in hospital visits, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of becoming a caregiver. It would have been understandable to step away once again. Instead, with the encouragement of his girlfriend, family, and teachers, Nathan found a way to keep going. He brought his schoolwork to the hospital, completed assignments between appointments, and came into school whenever possible for extra support.
It was during this time, balancing school with real-life hardship, that something shifted. As he began receiving feedback and marks from his teachers, Nathan saw clear evidence of his progress.
“That’s when I realized, I can actually do this,” he said. “I knew I was more than capable of success.”
Nathan speaks highly of the entire school community at St. Albert ALC at, from staff to students, noting the positive and encouraging environment that surrounded him throughout his journey. “I had four different teachers, and each one was incredibly supportive. That sense of community made all the difference.”
Today, Nathan’s diploma has already opened doors. He is now working with YMCA Employment Services, exploring new job opportunities and building a future he once thought was out of reach.
His message to others considering adult education is powerful and simple:
“It’s never too late to get your education. If I could do it –so can you.”
Through PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition), Nathan was able to receive secondary school credits for his life experience, reducing the number of credits he still needed to complete. With dedication and focused effort, he successfully finished his remaining credits in approximately 1.5 months. His advice to others facing fear is heartfelt:
“If fear is stopping you and you think you aren’t able to do this, remember the teachers are there to help you. All you need to do is just try.”
And Nathan isn’t stopping here. During the Christmas holidays, he earned his Safe Food Handlers Certificate and is now exploring further training, including interest in becoming a Confined Space Rescue Technician.
Principal Christina Raso expressed immense pride in Nathan’s journey and accomplishments.
“Nathan is an outstanding role model for our school community. His perseverance, kindness, and determination shine through everything he does. He not only proves what’s possible when you stay committed to your goals, but he also encourages and supports others on their journey. Nathan is a powerful reminder that true success comes from resilience, self-belief, and the courage to keep moving forward,” she said.
Nathan’s journey shows that new beginnings are always possible no matter your age, your circumstances, or the obstacles you’ve faced.
If you are missing credits toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma, St. Albert Adult Learning Centre is here to help. Once we receive a copy of your transcript, our team can review your education and through PLAR create the fastest, most supportive pathway to graduation. Graduation IS closer than you think!
For more information, or to get started, call 705-673-3031 or visit online.